the Commonwealth of England and hath exercised actual Hostility by commissionating Pyrates to spoil the ships and goods belonging thereto to these not the least violence or injury should be offered either in body or goods or if any should happen that upon complaint made redress and satisfaction should immediately be had Wherefore they desire all persons to abide in their habitations assuring them to enjoy what they had without disturbance No sooner was this penned but copies thereof were sent into Scotland and the Country-people that kept Market at Berwick had their pockets stuffed with them to carry home and disperse among their neighbours What good effects this course produced we shall see hereafter when the Army enters their borders The Lord General having used this expedient to undeceive the Scots and to procure their good opinion of him and his Army considered that all would not be convinced thereby the Sword not the Pen must perswade many of them wherefore he leaves York and hastes to Northallerton and thence the next day to Darnton As he pass'd by this place the Train of Artillery which was quartered here saluted him with seven Pieces of Ordnance Coming next to Newcastle the Governour Sir Arthur Haslerig received him with noble entertainment Here the Lord General and the Officers of his Army in a solemn manner implored a blessing from heaven upon their present Expedition After which upon due consideration of the affairs of the Army he setled a way for their supply from time to time with provisions This business being dispatched and the general Rendezvous appointed the Lord General leaves Newcastle and posts for Berwick His Forces being all come up he caused a general Rendezvous of them to be on Haggerston-Moor four miles from Berwiek July 20. 1650 the whole Army was drawn into the Field which was no sooner done but the General himself came among them being received with shouting and other signes of joy Having well view'd them he caused both Horse and Foot to be drawn up in Battalia Which being done there appeared a gallant Body of Horse consisting of 5415 bestrid by as many stout and couragious Riders eight complete Regiments of Foot consisting with their Officers of 10249 with the Train of Artillery which consisted of 690 so that the Army in the whole consisted of 16354. A sight most lovely and very desirable to see such an Army of men gallantly accoutred and provided with all necessaries who for approved valour are not to be equal'd commanded by a General whom no example ancient or modern can parallel for Courage and Conduct in a word he was honored in his Army and they happie in their General Being thus in Battalia the General marcheth them about an hundred paces towards Berwick and so dismisseth them to their quarters on the brink of Tweed where we shall leave them for the present expecting their further advance HIS WARS IN SCOTLAND OCcasion might here be taken to admire at the long continued separation that hath been betwixt England and Scotland that notwithstanding they are cohabitants of the same Island yet they should continue distinct Kingdoms for so many Ages together For whereas divers Kingdoms having inferious Dominions in them soon subjected them to their own Rule as in Spain where many Kingdoms are concorporated into one and in our own Nation where the Saxon Heptarchy was long since reduced into a Monarchy yet England and Scotland could never be united under one Head till the Crown of England devolved upon King James Many attempts have been made by several English Kings to reduce Scotland to their obedience Edward the second a King whose greatest honour was to be the son of an Heroick father and father to an incomparable son unfortunately fought the Battel at Bannocks in Scotland where as Holinshed relates was lost Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester 40 Barons 700 Knights and Gentlemen and about 40000 others This defeat was great even the greatest that ever the English received at one time from that Nation But in hopes to wipe away this blur and to salve up this wound the King raised two great Armies for that purpose but with no better success for the first of his Armies was lost for want of courage to fight the last for want of food was forced to retire and in their retreat lost all their Ammunition But what else could be expected from a pusillanimous King who was observed in the former Battel to be the first that fled for it could not be expected that the Souldiers should stand they being bound to follow their leader To reckon up all the Rencoùnters that have happened betwixt the two Nations would be too tedious and stretch this discourse beyond its intended length Yet I shall wade a little in these plashes before I plunge into the Ocean of Cromwels Conquests Henry the seventh a wise and valiant Prince was much disturbed by those two Impostors Perkin Warbeck and Lambert Simnel Warbeck's quarrel was espoused by the Scots but to little purpose for a Peace was soon concluded betwixt the two Kings on condition that Warbeck should be sent packing and that James the fourth the Scots King should marry the Lady Margret King Henry's daughter Great debate was in the Council about this Match some were against it alleadging that in case the Kings issue should fail England would become subject to Scotland But to this the King wisely returned That the weaker must ever bow to the stronger and England being the stronger Scotland must submit This was but discourse for it could not be then imagined the King having two hopeful sons Arthur and Henry that the Lady Margret should be the Royal Stem from whence should spring those Noble branches which were to over-spread both Nations as it afterwards came to pass in King James But notwithstanding the Alliance made by the said Marriage in the days of King Henry the eighth while he was busied with his Wars in France the Scots invade England and were encountred by the Earl of Surrey at Flodden Field where the success remained doubtful a great while but at last the Victory fell to the English who that day slew the Scots King the Bishop of St. Andrews 12 Earls 14 Barons and 12000 Gentlemen and common Souldiers onely with the loss of 1500. at so easie a rate was this great Victory purchased By this and several other Blows King Henry got many of the Scotish Nobility into his custody And considering how their frequent incursions did impede and frustrate his designes abroad he thought it expedient to use a means to beget amity betwixt the Nations to which end he propounded a Match betwixt his son Edward and Mary the young Princess of Scotland This motion found so good acceptance at first that it was concluded upon and ratified by Act of Parliament with a special Instrument under the hands of the Scotish Nobility who by this means having gotten their liberty from restraint soon after quit themselves of their
His Highness Oliuer Lord Protector of the Common Wealth of England Scotland Ireland etc. The Perfect POLITICIAN Or A FULL VIEW Of the LIFE and ACTION Military and Civil OF O. CROMWEL Whereunto is added His CHARACTER AND A Compleat CATALOGUE of all the Honours conferr'd by him on several PERSONS Qui nescit Dissimulare nescit Regnare LONDON Printed by J. Cottrel for William Roybould at the Unicorn and Henry Fletcher at the three Gilt â—â—lips in St. Paul's Church yard 1660. To the PEOPLE of England My dear Country-men THe ensuing History properly belongeth to you in a double respect First Because it was your Blood and Treasure that raised the subject of this ' Discourse to Supremacie Then Secondly your Backs bore the Burthen of his Greatness therefore it 's fit that once again you look back and view with a full aspect this Gentleman General Politician and Protector To limn him to the Life in all these Colours is too much for one Pencil therefore I onely present you the Epitome of great Cromwels Actions from his home near Huntington tâ— his Tomb in Westminster The work is not unlike Homers Iliads in a nut-shel yet may it serve for a Memento of our ever-to-be-lamented unnatural divisions The main scope of this Discourse is a continued series of Tragical Scoenes with Comical Interludes lately acted in England Ireland and Scotland herein I indeavor to keep pace with Truth so near as possibly it may be traced My aim is Moderation as the surest way to hit Affection therefore have I chosen it before partiality or egregious Encomiums which do not become an Historian for Flattery is meer folly no better I am sure can it seem to the sight of a wise man who knows that Panegyricks must profit the maker or else the same Quill will again drop Gall in a Satyrical strain upon his reputation My Indeavors herein I doubt not will render some profit to the Reader though much pleasure cannot be expected when the Theme is nothing else but boxing about of Governments as men do Balls in a Tennis-Court Countrey-men Read over this small Manual and then consider how finely you have fought your selves into LIBERTY Vale. I. S. Reader Correct these few material erratas following which accidentally have escaped the Press and if any literal happen to cross thy way let thy pen rectifie the mistake Page line 73. 5. for hand read hands 269. 28. for 1654. read 1659. THE LIFE and DEATH OF His late Highness OLIVER Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland Ireland His actions in the Wars of England IT is very well known that he was of an honourable Extraction and had suitable Education He was born at Huntingdon and bred up in the famous University of Cambridge where whilst he was a Student there wanted not some Presages of his future Greatness neither was he then so much addicted to Speculation as to Action as was observed by his Tutor After a good Proficiencie in the University he came to London where he betook himself to the study of the Law in Lincolns-Inne that nothing might be wanting to make him a complete Gentleman and a good Commonwealths-man His Country was not unsensible of his great Endowments for when the necessities of those times compelled the late King to call that Parliament in the year 1640 truly surnamed The long he was elected by them to serve as a Member therein And now God being displeased with England for the abuse of a long continued Peace and the blessings thereof and determining to punish the inhabitants thereof for the same he sent an evil spirit of Division betwixt the King and that Parliament They complaining of his evil Counsel and He of their Jealousies and Fears which Division being industriously fomented by Incendiaries soon brake forth into the flame of open Hostility both parties pretending one and the same Cause of Quarrel But to that which is chiefly intended No sooner had the Drum and Trumpet summoned the Nation to Arms but Cromwel was alarmed who tam Marte quam Mercurio neglecting the softness of a Sedentary betook himself to a Martial employment and immediately raised a Troop of Horse for the Parliament among his neighbours at his own charge The University of Cambridge being not far off him and the place of his Education he had a special regard thereto and knowing that Universities of all places might be most addicted to the Kings interest esteeming Parliaments and this especially the greatest depressers of Ecclesiastical Dignity in hope of which they are there nurtured to put the matter out of doubt he secured it for the Parliament and that in the nick of time when a large quantity of the University-Plate was about to be conveyed to the King then at Oxford And so industrious was he in the Cause he had now newly undertaken that hearing Sir Thomas Connesby high-Sheriff of Hertford-shire was at the Town of St. Albans on a Matket-day there to proclaim the Parliament and their General the Earl of Essex Traytors according to the Kings Proclamation to that purpose he unexpectedly rusheth into the Town takes the Sheriff and sends him up to the Parliament Being thus blest with a Troop he augments his Strength making it up a thousand Horse whose Riders being stout and valiant he took a course to preserve by Arming them cap-a-pe after the manner of the German Crabats whence in those days he was commonly stiled Iron-sides Being thus re-inforced he marcheth into the County of Suffolk and having intelligence that above fourty Commanders Knights and Gentlemen were at Lowerstoft contriving an Association of Norfolk and Suffolk for the King he with such secresie and celerity enters the Town that he surpriseth them all Having setled the affairs of the Associated Counties firmly for the Parliament he marcheth towards Newark and blocks up that Garison and finding a party of the Newarkers neer Grantham he sought them in which Encounter though he wanted of equality in number yet he so far out-went his enemy in courage and resolution that he put them to flight himself giving the first Onset About Newark he spent not much time but advanceth with the Earl of Manchester for the re-inforcement of the Siege of York which was then beleaguered by the Scotish General Lesley assisted by Sir Thomas Fairfax and a conjunction of other Forces in the North. Cromwel had not been long there but Prince Rupert approacheth with a great Army to raise the Siege Upon certain intelligence whereof the Generals draw off the Siege to fight him well knowing that if they won the day that City would follow as an Appendix to the Victory The Princes Scouts informing him that the Siege was raised he sent a party of Horse to face Lesly on Hessam-Moor and in the mean time enters York with two thousand Horse carrying with him all things needful for the relief of the Garison which having done he seemingly made toward Tadcaster but soon returned again into
by reason of their long continuance from their Callings could not possibly set themselves to work and therefore must use their Swords to the best advantage either upon some new employment or exercise arms on the High-way Our new State being very sensible of this as they were not onely vigilant to see but careful in preventing all inconveniences that might happen found out a way to divert these ill Humours that lay lurking in the Body of the Nation by sending them to Ireland where they might do GOD and their Country good service in subduing the Rebels that now were grown so powerful that no place but London-derry and Dublin it self were able to withstand them nor they neither without speedy succours from England This Rebellion the most barbarous and bloody of any that ever broke out in any part of the world acted by Devils in humane shape rather then by men murthering no less then 200000 Protestants in two Months time without any regard either to Age or Sex was put in practise on the 23 day of October 1641. which though it had been contrived with such privacie and acted with such violence yet Divine Providence did wonderfully preserve Dublin to be a Refuge for such as escaped thither from other places to avoid the fury of their bloody Persecutors Now Ireland lying in this sad condition weltring in blood and overwhelmed in the greatest Misery that Fire and Sword could inflict many of the poor Protestants get into England hoping there to finde shelter from the persecuting Enemy but this proved little comfort to those distressed Souls for here they finde to the great Augmentation of their Grief that England prepares on all sides to act the same upon one another vvhich had been done against them in Ireland But although the difference between the King and Parliament grew vvider every day then other they endeavouring rather to get advantages then compose differences yet 't was so agreed that some Regiments should be sent over into Ireland to stop the proceedings of the Rebels vvhich in effect vvas but as a Bucket of vvater cast on a flaming House that could do little to the quenching of it After some time the King in England finding his strength every day more and more decrease and the Parliament to get ground of him in most places did not onely send for those Forces out of Ireland again but many of the Rebels themselves came to his assistance so that Ireland by this vvas in a vvorse condition then ever forsaken of all and left to be vvorried by those Blood-thirsty Wolves vvorse by a thousand degrees then the ravenous brood vvhich their Country produceth yet vvhen their condition was at the worst it pleased GOD vvho never fails his People in distress but makes their necessity his opportunity to stir up the Parliament in England vvith Bowels of compassion to look on the distresses of their Brethren Long had they fasted and prayed for them but did not add to it their helping hand one vvithout the other can never do much good but joyned together a small Force is sufficient to accomplish great Designes A desperate disease requires a desperate Cure The State-Physitians of England having now quite purged out Monarchy vvith all its Appendants and verified the words of Bishop Laud No Bishop no King the first with the Ceremonies of the Church being fallen quickly after came the other down also they resolve to send the same sharp medicine to cure the Bleeding VVounds of Ireland which they thought had cured England and to that end they send over an Army under the Command of Valiant Cromwel vvhose Actions there vve now come to HIS WARS IN IRELAND A General ought to have these four Properties to make him Victorious 1. A good Cause 2. Strict Discipline 3. Valour and Resolution 4. Lastly Celerity For the first none but the Papists will deny it for the rest no man in the world could shew more Valour and Resolution nor Prudence to govern it then General Cromwel A strict Discipline he ever observed which is the Life of an Army sparing none that transgrest against the Articles of War which were instituted for their better conduct His Souldiers carriage and behaviour through their Generals care won more then his Sword A Designe being once resolved upon usually himself was the Messenger to bring the Enemy tidings thereof and then he would hardly give them leave to Arm before he assaulted them either by Storm or Battel This made the old Emperour of Germany say to some of his Courtiers upon his hearing of News from England That he thought Cromwel by transmigration was possest with the Spirit of Gustavus his old Enemy so neer did their actings in the Wars agree Ireland to speak of its condition a little before he undertook his expedition thither was in a manner wholly reduced by Ormond formerly made Lord-Deputy by the Queen who having joyned his Forces to the Rebels and Inchequeen himself being now fallen off from that cause which before he stoutly defended no visible Force remained in the Field to oppose the Enemy who had the Kingdom wholly at their devotion except London-derry which was governed by Sir Charles Coot and Dublin the chief City wherein was Col. Michael Jones with no great Force and that which made it less was the suspition he had of his own Souldiers fidelity who many times deserted their Colours The Enemy with a numerous Army lay under the VValls of it with many menacing Summons requiring of them a speedy rendition yet through the vigilancy of the Governour Valiant Jones it held out to the confusion of the Besiegers But his present danger made him reiterate his Calls to the Parliament in England for speedy Aid of Men and Provisions alleadging that else all would be lost and they being sensible of his condition expedite their Assistance appointing Com. Gen. Ireton Col. Scroop Col. Horton Major Gen. Lambert with their four Regiments of Horse Col. Ewers Col. Cook Col. Huson and Col. Dean with theirs of Foot and five Troops of Dragoons all old Souldiers of the English Army whose Valour had often been tried in many sharp Encounters and found not to fear the countenance of the fiercest Enemy Besides these other Regiments were raised by beat of Drum to make up the number sufficient to carry on the VVork effectually The Souldiers being in readiness and nothing wanting but a General the Parliament having had experience of Cromwels great worth and valour knowing no man more fitting for the Employment desired him to accept of it who received it with a great deal of chearfulness expressing how ready he was to serve in this Employment above any in the world not doubting but GOD would make of him an Instrument to execute Vengeance upon the Rebellious Irish This answer was so highly resented by the Parliament that immediately they constitute him General of all their Forces in that Kingdom and Lord Governour both as to Civil and Military Affairs in
the Nation Col. Jones they commissionated Lieutenant-General of the Horse This being done the Souldiers march with great speed not resting above one night in a place to the Randezvous near Milford in Wales there to expect the Lord Deputy Cromwel who having dispatched his business with the Parliament began his Journey Tuesday July 10 1649. leaving London he set forward in great state himself drawn in a Coach with six Flanders Mares attended by many Members of the Parliament and Councel of State with the chiefest Officers of the Army his Life-guard consisting of eighty men which had been formerly Commanders bravely mounted and accouter'd both themselves and Servants Thus he rid to Branford where those Gentlemen that accompanied him took leave wishing a successful issue to this designe which was answered again with great respect Away he posts for Bristol to take order for the Traine of Artillery and many other businesses needful for the hastning his men on Ship-board From thence he takes his way to Wales having before sent three Regiments viz. Col. Reynolds of Horse Col. Venables and Col. Muncks of Foot these as the Vaunt-Coureurs to the Army were ship'd from Chester and the Ports thereabout who being favoured with a prosperous Gale soon arrived at the Port of Dublin where they were received with unspeakable Joy and Gladness the Citizens spared for nothing that might be a comfort to the Sea-sick Souldiers hoping that the recovery of their Health might be an enlargement of their Liberties vvho now vvere vvholly confined within the narrow compass of their City-walls They were not at all deceived in their expectation Jones his courage being much heightned by the arrival of these men novv scorned the Enemies Bravadoes and resolves upon the first opportunity by Gods blessing to remove them farther off which it was not long before he performed as appears by what follows On Tuesday August 2. 1649. the Enemy confidently draws down vvith a party of 1500 Foot besides Horse to Baggotsrold a place within one quarter of a Mile Eastward of the City upon the Sea hence they intended to run their trenches towards the City-works and thereby secure those Forts which were intended to be made towards the water to hinder the landing of supplies and succours expected from England But Jones and Reynolds with those other Commanders in the City observing the intent of the Enemy saw a necessity to interrupt them in their designe and therefore speedily drawing out twelve hundred Horse and four thousand Foot they with these quickly enter the works which the Enemy had newly raised and fell upon them with so much courage that they routed their Horse at the first charge the greatest part of the Foot were soon after cut in pieces and most of the rest taken prisoners This success so heated Jones his Men that they followed the chase to Rathmines where Ormond's Camp was and there they engaged his whole Army consisting of 19000 Men. The report of this bold Attempt quickly reached the General Ormond's Ears who then like a doughty Commander was valiantly playing at Tables in his own Tent and being told the news wished the Rebels as he called them would come that so he might have sport with them His wish he had but not the wished effect for the Tables are soon turned the sport proving very bad and bloody to Ormonds whole Army who were totally routed with a very great slaughter 4000 killed in the fight and chase 2517 prisoners taken most of them men of quality amongst the rest Ormonds own Brother All their great Guns Ammunition Provision they left behind them and withall a rich Camp to reward the valiant Souldiers who with the spoil thereof quickly clothed themselves in rich Habits and so marched into the City as it were incognito for many of the Officers knew not their own Souldiers they were grown so fine This Victory was obtained with the loss of few the number not exceeding twenty The News of this great Victory quickly reached the Lord Governour Cromwel at Milford Haven who was then shipping himself and Army August the 13 he set sail from thence with thirty two ships wherein vvas the Van of the Army on the 15 day Major-General Ireton followed after vvith the Body shipped in forty two sail Mr. Hugh Peters brought up the Reare in about twenty sail The Winds being favourable quickly brought them to Dublin where they were received vvith all the signes of Joy imaginable the great Guns ecchoed forth their vvelcome and the peoples Acclamations resounded in every street When Cromwel the now Lord Governour vvas come into the City the concourse of people being very great to see him vvhom before they had heard so much of at a convenient place he made a stand and in an humble posture having his Hat in his Hand he speaks thus to the people That as God had brought him thither in safety so he doubted not but by his Divine Providence to restore them all to their just Liberties and Proprieties and that all those whose hearts affections were real for the carrying on of the great work against the barbarom and bloody-thirsty Irish and the rest of their Adherents and Confederates for the propagating of the Gospel of Christ the establishing of Truth and Peace and restoring that bleeding Nation to its former happiness and tranquillitie should finde favour and protection from the Parliament of England and himself and withal should receive such endowments and gratuities as should be answerable to their Merits This Speech was highly applauded by the people and answer returned by many hundreds That they would live and dye with him The Army being all vvafted over the General knowing that vvithout Gods blessing his labour vvould be in vain therefore to obtain it he published a Proclamation strictly forbidding all persons under his Command to use the frequent practise of swearing cursing and drunkenness declaring a full resolution to punish with the greatest severity that the Law could inflict all those that should neglect or contemn the same This vvrought a great Reformation many taking vvarning by the punishment of some The Army being now refreshed and the Lord-Governour having settled the Affairs of the City both Military and Civil he draws the Army out of Dublin to a general Muster vvhere appeared a compleat Body of 15000 Horse and Foot out of these were drawn twelve Regiments containing in number between 9 or 1000 stout resolute Men for the present Expedition This Army being provided vvith all things necessary either for Offence or Defence drawing along vvith them a gallant traine of Artillery four vvhole Cannon and five Demy-cannons besides other Pieces useful either for a Siege or the field the Lord-Governour marches them away and quickly seats himself under the Walls of Tredagh Here he finds a most resolute enemy that vvould sooner break then bend the Governour of the Town vvas Sir Arthur Ashton vvho had formerly been Governour of Reading and Oxford in England for the King a
the Army to Carrick from thence to proceed upon farther Action Ormond Castle-haven and the Bishop of Clogher being now very sensible of the desperate condition their Affairs were reduced to had a meeting at Baltamore in Westmeath with the Gentlemen of that County to confer about some better way to support that cause which hitherto they had so poorly defended The chief heads of this Debate were 1. Whether they were able to raise such Forces as might be sufficient to fight the Lord Cromwel now they conceived his Men were much weakned by the Winter and taking in of so many Garisons Or 2. In case they were not able to fight then with all the Forces they could make to fall into the English quarters and there to burn and destroy what they could 3. If these two ways were not feisible then whether it were not most convenient for them all to joyn in some propositions of Pacification for the whole or every one for himself to make his particular Application This last was hearkned to by some but the chiefest of them knowing their own guilt thought it not likely for them to get good conditions now necessity compelled them to be Supplicants and therefore to mischief the English in their quarters was looked upon to be the safest way for them all to spin out time til they could get a fit opportunity to make an escape out of the Land The Lord Cromwel having well refresh'd his Army after the Siege of Kilkenny sits down before Clonmel another strong place Garison'd by 2000 Foot and sixscore Horse No sooner was the Leaguer planted but Col. Reynolds and Sir Theophilus Jones were sent with 2500 Horse Foot and Dragoons to be beforehand with Ormond Castlehaven and those with them that intended an irruption into the English Quarters but they shifting from place to place to avoid fighting Col. Reynolds to keep his men from idleness joyns his Forces with Col. Huson and with two great Guns and a Morter Piece besieged Trim. Another Party of 1400 Horse and Dragoons and 1200 Foot under the Lord Broghil were sent to fight the Bishop of Ross who with 5000 intended to relieve Clonmel The Bishops Mitre being metamorphosed into an Helmet he thought verily to scare the Lord Broghil vvith the strangeness of the sight being such a thing as he had never seen before a Bishop that should be the Shepherd of a Flock now to head an Army of VVolves but the Lord Broghil getting to them in little more time then one could say tvvo or three Creeds vvholly dissipates them killing upon the place betvveen 6 and 700 taking 20 Captains Lieutenants and other Officers and to bring up the Rear the Bishop himself vvas taken vvith the Standard of the Church of Munster The Lord Broghil having him novv in his power he carries him to a Castle defended by the Bishops Forces and there hangs him up before the walls in the sight of the Garison which wrought such terrour in them that they delivered up the Castle upon Articles These successes of Parties abroad did much encourage those that besieged Clonmel who now on all sides prepare to handle that Garison as before they had done other places And indeed the Lord General used more then ordinary industry in reducing this Town in regard he had been informed that its defendants were very unanimous and that they were choice men well armed and every way sufficiently provided to make a stout resistance and besides it was governed by an active Irish-man one Hugh Boy O Neal who had set all hands in the Town on work to cast up new Countre-scarps on the inside of the old walls and to do whatsoever else might serve for the defence of the place and had so travers'd the ground with Re-intrenchments that it seemed altogether impossible to gain it by Assault nothing but Hunger as was thought could reduce it to obedience but the active gallantry of the Lord Cromwel would not admit of that course he us'd not to stand dallying before a place as the Germans French and other Nations trifling out precious time and expending vast sums to little or no purpose and besides upon many weighty considerations this service required a quick dispatch chiefly in regard of his Expedition into England whither he had lately been sent for by the Parliament there to serve them in some other way He therefore without delay orders all things for a Storm intending to try whether that would not either drown the Enemy or cool their courage who were so hotly set upon the defence The Governour being summoned to a Rendition and returning no satisfactory Answer the great Guns were planted which were managed so well that they quickly opened a breach which breach upon a Signal given being couragiously entred by the Assailants they within were not wanting to entertain them with a manful resistance and to forbid their march any other way then over their own bodies but Cromwel's men who us'd not to be thus check'd in the career of their Successes notwithstanding the Enemies valorous obstinacie made good their ground and maintained a Fight for four hours together which proved so hazardous that the victory hovering betwixt both it was hard to say on which side it would light there being a great slaughter on both sides till at last the Lord Cromwel assisted by that good Providence which always attended him decided the controversie by forcing the Enemy to quit the place and betake themselves to flight wherein though they were very much favoured by certain hills near the Town yet could they not avoid the rage and fury of the victorious Souldiers who in pursuit paid them home in their own coyn Concerning this Fight I finde it thus written by an eminent Commander in the Army and an assistant in this encounter We found in Clonmel saith he the stoutest enemy that ever was found by our Army in Ireland and it is in my opinion and very many more that there was never seen so hot a storm of so long a continuance and so gallantly defended neither in England nor Ireland The Reduction of this place though at a hard hand inclined many more to yeeld which they did in a short time after without striking a stroke These Atchievements being obtained and care taken to secure what had been gotten the Lord General addresses himself to his journey for England having been in Ireland about ten months viz. from the middle of August 1649. to the next May following 1650. a time inconsiderable respect had to the work done therein which was more then ever could be done in ten years before by any King or Queen of England Queen Elizabeth indeed after a long and tedious War there at last drave out the Spaniards that came in to the assistance of the rebellious Natives but could never utterly extinguish the sparks of that Rebellion And not onely did the shortness of the time render the work admirable but the nature of the work it self it being
against a most obstinately-desperate bloudy enemy people that had put themselves out of all hopes of favour or mercy by acting the most bloudy Tragedie that ever hath been seen or related in that their universal Massacre of the English yet recent in memory There remained now onely Limerick Waterford and some few inconsiderable Garisons to be reduced which being done they might finde leasure to hunt the wilde Irish who were fled for refuge among their Boggs This was left to the charge of Ireton whom the Lord Governour having constituted Lord Deputy he takes leave of Ireland and committing himself to the Sea arrived safely after a boisterous passage at Bristol where he was received with a thrice-repeated Volley of great Guns and other suitable demonstrations of joy Hence without tarrying he posts for London drawing neer Hounslow-Heath he is there met by the Lord General Fairfax accompanied by many Members of Parliament and Officers of the Army with multitudes that came out of curiosity to see him of whom Fame had made such a loud report Hence after mutual salutations congratulations and other testimonies of high respect he proceeds on and passing neer Hide-park-corner he is saluted with great Guns and several Volleys of small Shot by Colonel Barkstead's Regiment which was drawn up in the High-way for that purpose Continuing thus their march multitudes increasing to behold him the Lord Cromwel is conducted to the house called the Cock-pit neer St. James which had been appointed and prepared for him Here he was visited by the Lord Maior and Aldermen of London and by many other persons of quality all of them expressing their own and the Nations great obligations to him for his great Services in Ireland After some time of respite and refreshment he attended his charge in Parliament where the Speaker in an elegant Speech gave him the thanks of the House Which being ended the Lord Cromwel gave them an account of the present state of Ireland and of the condition of their Forces both in Field and Garison with what designes they were now upon what strength the Enemy had and what Garisons were then in their power The Parliament being thus assured of the hopeful condition of Ireland began now wisely to provide for the security of the peace of England which was now in danger of disturbance partly by open Hostility and partly by the under-hand dealing of some pretended friends Portugal protects Prince Rupert's Fleet notwithstanding the League France domineers at Sea making prize of all the English they could bring under their power About this time the Parliament sends Dr. Dorislaus as an Agent to the States of the United Provinces for the begetting and continuance of a right understanding and fair correspondence betwixt the two Republicks where not long after his arrival he was basely slain by six Assassinates who rushed into his lodgings at the Hague in disguise and escaped unpunished although the States pretended they had used their utmost endeavour to take them In Russia the English Merchants were much affronted by that Duke by reason of his adherence to the House of Stuarts Virginia and the Caribes Islands revolted from their obedience to the Parliament being very hot for Monarchy and the Liturgie Nearer home Scilly Jersey and the Isle of Man stand out and miserably infest the Seas with their Piracie But above all the Scots were the most formidable who seemed to set their wits on the tenters that so they might embroyl England in new troubles and thereby have opportunity to work their ends upon it To this end a Treaty is commenced betwixt them and their King at Breda a famous Town in the Netherlands belonging to the Prince of Orange Here they propose 1. That his Majestie recal and disclaim all Commissions and Declarations granted by him to the prejudice of the Covenant 2. That he acknowledge their present Parliament and the two last Sessions thereof and allow of the Acts made therein 3. They remonstrate the Motives contained in the eleventh Instruction meaning Vxbridge-Treaty 4. That as soon as he comes into Scotland and before his admission to the exercise of Royal power he shall swear subscribe and seal the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Covenant Their King having assented and promised in verbo Principis to perform these things the Commissioners had order to let him see the Coronation-Oath he was to take which he approving they were to invite him into Scotland assuring him that he should be entertained there with all due respect To all which things the King at last condescended partly by the perswasion of the Prince of Orange at whose cost and charges the Treaty was both begun and continued and partly upon hopes that by this means he might gain the easier footing in England The Scots being now impatient of the enjoyment of their King presence he in order to their satisfaction herein hastes from Breda towards the Hague and from thence to Scheveling where he took shipping and not long after landed notwithstanding several snares laid for him at the Spey in the North of Scotland The Parliament in England were not ignorant of these things they having faithful Scouts abroad in the world who failed not to give them timely notice of the machinations of their enemies in all quarters And taking the matter into consideration in the House a great debate there was VVhether the war for that there must be a war betwixt us and our dear Brethren was taken for granted should be Offensive or Defensive As to the later the Defensive part they were very sensible of the havock the Scots had formerly made in the North of England when they came in as friends so that should they be suffered to come in as enemies nothing could be expected to follow but ruine and desolation wheresoever they came Hamilton's Invasion likewise stuck in their stomacks and the devastations that accompanied it Besides it was considered that to let them give the first blow had been to make our own Country the seat of war and thereby an opportunity would be given to discontented spirits here which then were not a few to joyn with the enemy Upon these and other weighty considerations the Parliament resolves upon an Offensive war and to alarm them in their own Quarters This Resolution was thought most advantageous in many respects as 1. Scotland the Enemies Country must needs be much impoverished by being burdened with two Armies when it could not well maintain one and England would be quit of much fear and calamity incident to quartering of Armies Besides in all encounters it is good policie to keep an adversary at the arms end 2. By invading Scotland the Souldiery would be much encouraged in respect of the benefit might accrue to them by the spoils of their enemies Hereby also the Territories of this Commonwealth were likely to be enlarged 3. The Scots Levies were not yet finished nor their Army completed so that a sudden march might nip them
in the bud and prevent their further increase 4. It was necessary to have a special regard to and warchful eye upon Scotland because by reason of its contiguity no Enemy could be so obnoxious to England as it and how ready they have been to lay hold on all opportunities to disturb the peace of England frequent examples testifie both of former and later times And unless that back-door were pin'd up as great mischiefs were like to be let in thereby now as ever In order therefore to their former Resolutions the Parliament provide for a war they order the Army to march Northwards to sit upon the skirts of the Scots But Sir Tho. Fairfax their General at that time being it seems not satisfied in the thing as many others likewise were not desired to be excused and laid down his Commission VVhich action of his bred consternation in most and several descants were given thereupon the Plebeian rout whose tribunal nothing of moment can pass judged the reason to be that he durst not venture to abide the gust of those Northern blasts But wise men know how much vulgar bruits are to be heeded and that notwithstanding what was said then or can be said now the trumpet of his fame shall not be put to silence nor shall Time it self be able to wipe his name into oblivion The Parliament being thus disappointed are to seek for a General to command their Army but for that they need not go far since they had then amongst them the most renowned Cromwel of whose prowess and faithfulness they had had manifold experience and who upon their request did accept of the Charge upon which they give him a Commission thereby impowering him to command all the Forces raised and to be raised in the Commonwealth of England annulling all Commissions formerly granted to the Lord Fairfax Cromwel being thus invested with power presently addresses to the vvork and in order thereunto he took his journey towards the Army in the North June 28. 1650. As he passed great demonstrations of respect were given him by the generality of the people July 4. he arrived at York attended by many great Officers of the Army No sooner vvas he entred that City but the Lord Maior Aldermen and Sheriffs gave him an invitation to a stately Dinner expressing how much they joyed in the presence of so renowned an Hero But he remembring that it was Fighting and not Feasting that he came about tarried there no longer then to order supplies for the Army and expedite their Rendezvous By this time the Committee of Estates in Scotland was alarmed insomuch that they were frighted into an Expostulation with the Parliament thinking thereby to protract time till their Levies were perfected to that end they sent a Letter to the Speaker by Col. Grey to this effect That they wondered at the report of the English Armies advance towards their Nation and that many of their Ships were seized and secured by the English contrary to the Act of Pacification in the large Treaty which provided that no acts of Hostility should be used against each other without three months warning beforehand and that those Forces which they were raising were onely for their own defence and therefore they desired to know if the Forces of England now on their march Northward were intended for Offence or Defence to guard their own borders or invade Scotland Papers of like import were also sent to the Governour of Newcastle Major Gen. Lambert and the Lord General Cromwel The Parliament answered them by a Declaration shewing the Grounds and Reasons of their Armies advance vvith the equity and necessity thereof Their Grounds and Reasons vvere these 1. For that the Scots endeavoured to seduce the people of the Commonwealth of England from their affection and duty to the Parliament and to promote the Interest of the late King under pretence of the Covenant 2. In that they took Berwick and Carlisle and put Garisons into them in the year 1648. contrary to the large Treaty in 1640. and this done by the Parliament of Scotland even whilst English Commissioners were at Edinburgh offering to endeavour the composing of all differences betwixt the Nations by a Treaty which they refused But forasmuch as every quarrel that is lawful is not necessary for in some cases injuries are to be passed by or at least to be composed by Treaty therefore they proceed to declare the Necessity also of their present Expedition which they thus grounded All reparations of the damages done by the Scots in their late Invasion have been denied to be given in a fair way by their Parliament vvhereby they have owned the vvrongs done thereby That they have a designe again to invade us which appears thus 1. In that upon the English their demanding a Treaty for satisfaction of the injuries done in their late Invasion they in express terms declared themselves enemies to this Commonwealth 2. In that although they could not claim to themselves any Authority or Dominion over us yet in Scotland they proclaimed Charles Stuart to be King of England and Ireland and since that promised to assist him against this Commonwealth 3. In that vvhen upon preparation in Scotland for Hamiltons Invasion of England the Parliament of England sent Commissioners to treat of an Accommodation to prevent effusion of bloud they declined the Treaty and in stead thereof an Army speedily marcheth into England 4. In that they declared against the English Parliament and Army as Sectaries ranking them vvith Malignants and Papists These provocations being intolerable and no satisfaction being to be had but vvhat the Sword must procure the Parliament resolve upon that course vvhereby seeing no other expedient could effect it to vindicate the Nations honour and to secure it against the like insolencies for the time to come This Declaration was quickly seconded by another from the Lord General and his Army which they directed to the well-affected in Scotland and was to this effect That they being to advance into Scotland for the ends expressed in the Parliaments Declaration of June 26. they considering the practices of some in that Kingdom whose designes are by unjust reproaches and false slanders to make the Army odious and render them to be rather monsters then men Therefore to clear themselves they could do no otherwise then re-minde them of their behaviour when they were before in Scotland what injury or wrong was then done either to the persons houses or goods of any considering this it was hoped that such their former demeanour would not be forgotten nor the present reports affright the people from their habitations To satisfie them further the Lord General and the Army declared from the integrity of their hearts That such of the Gentry and Commonalty as inhabit where the Army may come they being none of those who by their counsels laid the foundation of a second Invasion or closed with him who hath endeavoured to engage forraign Princes against
former engagement and espoused their young Lady to the Dolphin of France which so enraged our young King Edward the sixth his father Henry being dead that he resolved Seeing the Foxes skin could not prevail To piece it with the Lions tayl And to that end sends an Army under the Duke of Somerset into Scotland to avenge himself on them for their perfidious dealing This Army exceeded not 18000 in number too small in appearance to deal with a whole Kingdom but greatness of courage supplying the paucity of their number they encountered the Scots neer Muscleborough where notwithstanding they doubled the English in multitude besides 3000 Monks Fryers and Kirk-men armed both with VVord and Sword they got the day and obtained a most compleat Victory But while they beat the bush the bird was flown into France Here many of the Scotish Nobility were taken prisoners one of which being brought to the English General and asked by him how he liked the Match answered wittily Very well but not that manner of wooing This Battel and that of Flodden-field four and thirty years before were both fought upon the Ninth of September as afterwards those of Worcester and Dunbar were both upon the Third of the same month so that that month seems to be more ominous to the Scotish Nation then any in the whole Kalendar This Digression hath been made onely to shew what endeavours there have been all along to unite these Kingdoms under one Head but nothing could effect it until King James came in by succession he being son to that Queen Mary formerly espoused to Edward the sixth This Line was thought perpetual and the Tye indissoluble according to the Motto upon King James his Coyn Que Deus conjunxit nemo separet But he that rules in the Kingdoms of men hath been pleased to over-rule their designs by a sudden cutting off of that Line and dissolving that League which was esteemed so inviolable By this means the Scots begin to play Rex as we have heard in part already but how and by whom they were reduced under the obedience and subjection of the English as at this day is our next work to shew they being as sings ingenious Mr. Waller's Panegyrick A Race unconquer'd by their Clime made bold The Caledonians arm'd with want and cold Have by a Fate indulgent to his fame Been from all Ages kept for him to tame Whom the old Roman wall so ill confin'd With a new Chain of Garisons he binde Here forraign Gold no more shall make them come For Cromwel's Iron holds them fast at home Cromwel was the man by whom this stupendious work was wrought who being now constituted Generalissimo for the Parliament of England as we have seen before made this improvement of his new honour adding this Conquest to his former Heroick atchievements And what order he observed in the carrying on of this business we shall now relate beginning where we left off before The Army being come up all together in a Body and quartered upon the very edge of Scotland as afore is shewed on July 22. 1650 the Lord General drew them forth to a Rendezvous upon a hill within Berwick bounds from whence they had a full view of the adjacent parts of Scotland the Stage whereon they were to act their parts in the ensuing Tragedies Here he made a Speech to his Souldiers exhorting them to be faithful and couragious and then not to doubt of a blessing from God and all encouragement from himself which was answered with loud and unanimous Acclamations from them who going thus chearfully about their work it was the more likely to prosper in their hands as indeed it did Upon this the Lord General marches his Army into Scotland quartering them that night in the field neer Mordington where he caused it to be proclaimed thorowout the Camp for the better conservation of good order and discipline That none on pain of death should offer violence or injury to the persons or goods of any in Scotland not in Arms and withal That no Souldier should presume without special license to straggle half a mile from the Army Hence they dislodge for Copperspeith thence to Dunbar where they are recruited with provisions from the English ships sent thither for that purpose the Country affording them none for the Scotch Estates had taken a course beforehand to sweep all the Country betwixt Berwick and Edinburgh of all things that might yeeld any comfort or succour to the English But this entertainment was not at all strange to the English it being but what they expected neither did it in the least appal or discourage them Their next remove is to Handington twelve miles from Edinburgh and all this without the least opposition not seeing all this while the face of an Enemy in Arms. But although they could not be seen yet they were heard of giving out that they would meet the English at Gladsmore The Lord General prepared to meet them accordingly and knowing his adversary exceeded him in number he laboured to possess the Moor before them to gain the advantage of ground in case they should meet him which it seems they never intended having no great stomack to fight Upon this Major-Gen Lambert and Colonel Whalley men of approved courage and valour with 1400 Horse were sent as a Van-guard to Muscleborough Major Hayns commanding the Forlorn fac'd the Scots within a mile of their Trenches The next day the Lord General with the main Body drew up before Edinburgh where some bickering happened about the possession of King Arthur's Hill a place within a mile of that Citie which the English obtained and soon after possest themselves of a Church and certain houses But notwithstanding all these provocations the Scots would not forsake their Trenches but lay upon the catch and according to the Proverb Harm watch harm catch so it fell out with them For the Lord General seeing no good to be done this way and that his Army was much wearied out with hard duty and continual rain drawing off to Muscleborough there to refresh and recruit his men with provisions the Scots would needs have one snap at parting and to that end came powdering down upon the last Reserve of the English Rere-guard and had like to have over-run them but Major-General Lambert and Colonel Whalley with his giment came in to their rescue routing the Scots and pursuing them to their Trenches In this Encounter Lambert received two wounds and the rest came not off altogether Scot-free for they left behind them one Lieutenant-Colonel one Major and some Captains with a few private souldiers for company By this defeat the English had an opportunity to march off quietly to Muscleborough that night although in a wet and weary condition expecting also every moment to be set upon as indeed at last they were for Col. Straughan and Montgomery very slyly followed them in the rere with the Kirk's Regiment of Horse and some others to the
any of them nor voluntarily afford or cause to be afforded or delivered to any of them any Victuals Provisions Ammunition Arms Horses Plate Money Men or any other Relief whatsoever under pain of High Treason And that all persons should use their utmost endeavours to hinder and stop their March Yet for all this the Scots went on in prosecution of their present designe bending their course by a swift March for the west of England where we will leave them making more hast then good speed and return back again to the Lord Gen. Cromwel He having notice at St. Johnstons that the Scots Army were gone to take up new Quarters in England did immediately settle the Affairs of Scotland in a posture sufficient to secure what was already won and leaving six thousand Horse and Foot more with Lieutenant General Mork to reduce the rest he causes Major General Lambert with five Regiments of Horse and Dragoons to fly away with all possible speed to get into the Rear of the Scots Army whilst Harison was in their Front so to impede their March until himself could get up unto them This being done with the remainder of the Army consisting of eight Regiments of Foot two of Horse and eight great Guns this victorious General marched away leaving Scotland but not the remembrance of his being there and on August 12. he with his Army crossed Tine With this swift March being quite tired out he caused the Army to pitch their Tents on Ryson Haugh upon the brink of Tine himself in the mean time quartering at Stelly House neer unto his Souldiers The Mayor of New-Castle having notice of the Armies being thus neer the Town immediately went forth with the rest of the Magistrates to congratulate the Generals arrival into England And to make themselves welcome to the Souldiers they carried along with them for supply of the Army Bread Cheese Biscet and Beer these Provisions were a great refreshing and inabled the Souldiers with cheerfulness to undertake the future march In the mean time the Scots with their King marched on towards Warrington Bridge where Maj. Gen. Harison resolved to make opposition against them and if possible to hinder their passage over but before they could break down the Bridge the Scots by a swift March from Charley came up and being necessarily engaged they maintained a notable combate with those that offered to withstand them here they had a small brush but could very well afford it for the loss was their gain and so both sides were satisfied with the ingagement for though some of their men fell in the fight yet they had their desire which was to pass over the bridge And now it was the great Question of all whither they intended to bend their course most believed for London being that was the Metropolis of the English Nation a populous City well furnished with a great Magazine of Men and Money the first being the Wheels of War the last the Oyl which makes them turn nimbly about But it seems the Scots looked upon this as too hazardous or else intended onely to take the dimensions of the Land and when that was done to return home again to their own Kingdom However they marched on towards the West shewing all civility to the people as they past along and with such strict Discipline were they governed that as their Army marched through Shropshire a private Souldier for offering to enter an Orchard was by his Officer immediately disbanded with a Bullet By this severity their rough-hewn natures were so polished that if Necessity drove any private Souldier to a door he durst speak no other Language then A Drink of Water But now at last their Peregrination ends at Worcester for coming thither weak and weary with constant duty and hard labour having expected much out finding little they here resolve to take up their Quarters hoping Massey's former services in Gloucestershire and those parts was not quite buried in the Grave of Oblivion But in this they found it otherwise for although they might love his person well yet seeing his parts ingaged against the Grain of the Times it quite alienated the affections of those that otherwise might wish him well The Scotch King with his Army having thus entered Worcester on Friday August the 23. 1651. resolved being he could go no further to tarry there and abide the brunt And therefore in the first place because he would not be wanting in any thing that might conduce to the preservation of himself and forces he caused works to be raised for better security Then he sent forth his Letters Mandatory to Colonel Mackworth Governout of Shrewsbury and likewise to Sir Thomas Middleton to perswade them to raise Forces for him but this proved fruitless so that being now got as it were in a pound there was no way but to make the best of a bad bargain And now the black and dismal clouds began to gather about Worcester which portended a dreadful storm would quickly follow as presently after it did For victorious Cromwel who by delaies never contributed to approaching dangers having refreshed his men neer New-Castle marched away without the least delay or loss of time until he came to joyn with the rest of the Parliaments Forces commanded by Lieutenant General Fleetwood Major General Desborough the Lord Gray of Groby Major General Lambert Major General Harison and besides all these the Militia Forces out of every County were commanded to march away and surround those wretched men at Worcester that so a quick dispatch might be put to the work Never was it known before in England that such great Forces were gathered together in so small a time for the standing Army with the rest of those Forces newly raised by Act of Parliament upon this occasion could not amount to less then eighty thousand But now the Lord General Cromwel being come up and having observed the posture that the Scoth Army lay in began his work with an attempt upon Vpton Bridge there intending if it was possible to pass over his Army this designe was left to Major General Fleetwoods management who presently sent away a small party of Horse and Dragoons to discover how feasible the attempt might be this Party though small proved daring in a desperate attempt for finding the bridge broken down and nothing remaining but onely a Beam of Timber that reached from one Arch to another which through negligence had been left by the Scots these bold Fellows made no more ado but dismounting their Horses one after another rid over on this Wooden Pegasus and presently after having now recovered the other side run themselves into a Church neer to the bridge for security Major General Massey being all this while in Vpton with about 60 Dragoons and 200 Horse lying secure without the least dread of an Enemy imagining it impossible for any to come at him at that time was upon the sudden report of this Exploit so alarmed that in
great consusion he with his men gave a camisado on the Church but that valiant Commander Lambert highly prizing the worth of his men immediately came in with a new supply of Horse to their rescue Massey now seeing that to fight would be meer folly being much over-matched thought a timely retreat the onely way to secure his men which he performed with so much bravery that sometimes facing then fighting and so falling off himself brought up the Rear and never left his station until his men were got farther off into safety This encounter at last fell heavy on himself for he not fearing his flesh and despising the force of his Enemies rencountered great difficulty in getting away having received a shot in his hand The Bridge being thus won all imaginable industry was imployed to make it up so that in a small time Lieutenant General Fleetwoods Army marched over which still pressing forward they laid a Bridge of Boats over the River Teame on the west side of Severn which gliding along at last emptieth it self thereinto about a mile beneath Worcester General Cromwel in the mean time caused another Bridge to be laid over the Severn on his side that so the Enemy might be the more straitned Upon this the Scots having taken the alarm rise from their Leaguer at St. Jones and with the greatest part of their Horse and Foot marched on to oppose the Lieut. Generals passage The Lord General seeing this resolves to draw off the Enemy and so divert his design or else inforce him to fight on great disadvantage therefore himself in person led over the River on that side of Worcester which he had undertook to attaque two Regiments of Foot Colonel Hookers of Horse and his own Life-Guard In the mean time Fleetwood with the assistance of Colonel Goff's and Major General Dean's Regiments of Foot marched on to a hedg-fight for the Scots looking upon this as the safest way had lined the hedges thick with Musqueteers so that the Bushes must first be beaten before these Birds could be taken This was not long in doing for the English falling on perform'd a brave fight from hedge to hedge the Scots on the other side not losing any thing that could be kept but manfully maintaining their ground until Colonel Blake Gibbons and Marshes Regiments came in to lay more load on their shoulders then they retreated to Pawick Bridge where again they were ingaged with Col. Hayns Col. Cobbets and Col. Matthew's Regiments in another hot dispute but at length seeing they could not prevail they provided for their own security by running into Worcester And now desperation animating their courage knowing that to continue in this pound would make them in a pitiful pickle therefore having already tried their fortune with Lieutenant General Fleetwood they imagining him to have commanded the greater force they hoped to make a more fortunate sally against General Cromwel therefore upon the sudden they sallied out against him with all the Horse and Foot they could but as it proved with sad success for though at first they shewed such activity in their Arms that General Cromwels men were forced alittle to retire yet presently the multitudes of fresh men coming in so turned the scales that the Scots were wholly routed flying away in great confusion to save themselves the Horse flew amain back again towards the North but the Foot not able to keep company ran into Worcester with some of the Victors at their heels Whilst in the mean time General Cromwel to make sure work with a few Regiments of Foot ran up to the Royal Fort and being ready to storm his clemencie was seen in venturing his person through the showers of shot and offering the Scots quarter if they would presently yield But they being infatuated refused the profer which caused their too late repentance for the Lord General falling on quickly possest the Fort and all the Artillery that was therein The City being now won the souldiers suriously fly through all the streets doing such execution that nothing could be seen for some time but blood and slaughter until at last the sack of the Town and plunder of Prisoners having satisfied their appetites they fall to securing of Prisoners which both in fight and flight amounted to about 10000 the Ilain neer 3000. so that neer all was lost onely some few Horse excepted which escaped out of the Battel but these found their flight to stand them in little stead for Major General Harison with a fresh party fiercely pursued in their Rear whilst the Country people fronted and flanked them like little Beagles which when a Mastiff is once beaten will not let him pass without a snarle at his tail and fiercely pursue him whom before they durst not look in the face This Battle put a period to the Good Fortune of the Stuarts Family and on the other side crowned General Cromwels Atchievements with an absolute security of all his former Conquests the influence whereof though acted in England was great in Scotland their chief Nobility Gentry and private souldiers being thus cut off that Nation could no longer be able to hold up its head but quickly after must needs be brought under obedience to the Commonwealth of England as it fell out soon after The Parliament at London having speedy notice of this prosperous success received it with grateful acceptation But that which abated somewhat of their Triumphs was That the King could not be numbred among the Captives nor found among the Slain but was slip'd away into some by-place for he seeing that all the Enemies aim was onely to smite him and that they did not fight so much against small or great as against the King of Scots finding the battel to go hard on his side he left caring for others to provide for himself knowing full well that should he be taken his Quarter would be Quartering and that without the help of an Astrologer it might easily be prognosticated what Death he should die Therefore trusting more to horse then men and fear adding wings to his flight he hastened with all speed towards Lancashire but by the way doubting that much company would do him little good but rather be a means to cause his sooner discovery leaving the Road he wandered for some time about England till at last finding a fit opportunity he returned back again into France Thus this object of worldly Mutability having ventured at all could enjoy no more then the heavy Load of his own Misfortunes having been onely Tantalized with the Golden Apples of sweet Soveraignty but never suffered to satisfie his appetite with their fruition for coming into Scotland his Government was cut out to him by shreds as pleased the Kirk and States of that Kingdom and being a stranger he must be carved to not suffered to serve himself for fear of surfeits like Zancha Panza's Doctors that slipt away the dishes out of respect to his health whilst in the mean time
to save themselves and Ship which was at last performed so that the medley growing great and the fury of the Sailers and Souldiers having banish'd all fear they boldly board one another The Rainbow an English Ship having a long time striven to make prise of others was at last like to be surprised her self had not the Oak seeing the danger of her fellow bore in to the Rescue but this charitable deed reduced the Oak to Ashes she being destroyed by a Fire-ship Yet for all this the English no whit daunted maintained the Fight with such an obstinate Gallantry that the Dutch though high in resolution were low in hopes of the Victory And well they might for what can be expected when men fight for fear of punishment as here many did not so much regarding the honour of Conquest as the Eyes of the two Lords sent on purpose in a nimble Frigat to observe every Captains Actions This bloudy Battle now continued with eagerness but more uncertainty from five in the morning till ten about which time Van Trump fighting in the midst of the English Fleet had a Pass-port sent him for another world being shot with a Musquet-Bullet into the left Breast near the Heart What can live when the Heart is dead Trump was the Life of the Action by whose example all was guided and directed no sooner was his Life spent but the Hearts of his men were broken a general Consternation suddenly possest the whole Fleet so that the Sea-men had more minde to carry home the news of their renowned Generals death then to take vengeance on the English for killing him This unfortunate shot made the Dutch now the Head was lost for preservation of the remaining part of the body at first to disengage themselves still fighting in a defensive posture and then about three a Clock in the evening to clap on all the Canvas possible and haste to their own Ports It had been happy if all could have made the like speed but that was forbidden by the English who had sunk and fired 27 of their Men of War and killed them upwards of 2000 men besides six Captains and 1000 Prisoners taken but the loss of losses was the General Van Trump to conquer whom alone had been a Victory sufficient to deserve a Triumph hereby the States of Holland were deprived of as able a Sea-man as ever sailed the Ocean he was a man serious in deliberation but when resolved truly valiant in Action which was sufficiently manifest in that eminent service he performed for the safety and honour of his Country against Don Antonio d'Oquendo in the year 1639 when with a small Fleet he fought the Spaniards in the Downs and without any great trouble brought that great Armada to nothing wherein was imbarqued 23000 Souldiers besides Mariners This he did with so much generosity that when the Spanish General durst not set to Sea from under the protection of Dover-castle for want of Powder Trump offered to supply him therewith and afterwards to fight him He was ever observed to be a zealous Assertor of the Orange Interest both at home and abroad this made him so eager to foment and drive on the War between England and Holland because the posterity of King Charles Father-in-law to the Prince of Orange were excluded from Government Some Obligations he had received from the said King as Knighthood at Dover anno 1641. and gifts at the same time which sufficiently manifested the Bounty of the Donor This is certain that the fall of this great man did very much conduce to the future Peace between the two Republicks which quickly after followed Trump's death was not without loss on the English side for no less then six Captains with 400 Souldiers and Sea-men took leave of this to bear him company into the other World besides these there was wounded six Captains and 700 of the inferiour sort but for shipping the loss was so small that it may cause wonder for no more miscarried then the Oak a Ship of about 30 Guns and a small Fire-ship besides but yet the rest of the Navy were so much wounded that they made home to repair Breaches and recruit for another Expedition Thus the English Mastiff baited the Belgick Lyon till she made him run roaring home for shelter Whilst these Successes were given abroad discontent rages at home among the most sober sort of people caused by the strange Actings of the Parliament who had now sate six moneths and hatched little more then the Act for Marriages which was made more to vex the Clergie then please the Laity This was but a branch of the Ministers maintenance the body being Tythes was with might and main endeavoured to be hewen down to the ground but the event answered not the intent for a Committee being purposely appointed to consider of this weighty business and make report to the House the Legality of it both by the Laws of God and man was so largely and clearly proved before them that after a full hearing and serious consideration of the whole matter the Committee returned an Affirmative report for Tythes but yet for all this many of the Members being desirous to lay open a gap for confusion did very stifly argue against the Ministerial Function making it little better then Antichristian and Burdensome to the people Of this humour there were no fewer then 60 of the Members and for the Ministry 84. these last were the Major part which very wisely fearing the Minor would undermine them by watching all opportunities to accomplish their designes did resolve to break-up house-keeping which motion being made by a Member Munday December 12. it was readily assented unto so that the Speaker adjourned to White-hall and delivered up the Powers they had received to General Cromwel again As the Magnitude of Hercules body was once drawn by the dimension of his foot so the policy of Cromwel may be seen in the Actions of this pack'd Parliament as may be perceived by a rational Answer to these following Queries 1. Whether the Parliament did not make way for Cromwel ' s future greatness in taking away the Engagement under pretence of liberty for tender consciences that scrupled the taking of it 2. When Cromwel earnestly desired the several Members of this Parliament to remember Tythes and the Universities whether he meant the extirpation or confirmation of them 3. Whether some of this Parliament-Members violent endeavours to level the Law in its practice and the Gospel in the preaching thereof was not a designe of Cromwels to render the Members odious to the vulgar that so his own Government might be the more acceptable to the people 4. Whether it was an Act of Grace or Gratitude in the Parliament to make Cromwel a Member of that which he had made a Body 5. Whether the picking of this Parliament was intended more for publick good or private designes The Lord General having now got the Civil and Military Powers into his
children God took them at their word For not to mention what some affirm that a bloudy issue hath ever since hereditarily descended upon them not long after according to Christs prophecy their City was destroyed their Temple not on stone left upon another and themselves ceasing to be a Nation became with Cain Fugitives and Vagabonds upon the Earth having now according to that prophecie of Hosea been many dayes yea many years without a King and without a Prince and without a sacrifice and without an image and without an Ephod and without a teraphim being dispersed amongst all Nations and hated by all people remaining nevertheless in such a degree of contumacious obduration that here in England whither some of them wandred they crucified children in despight to and derision of the name of Christ For which and other execrable practices they were justly expelled this Nation by King Edward the first in the year of Christs incarnation 1291. And so willing were the people then to be rid of them that for this Act of that King the Commons in Parliament freely granted him a whole Fifteenth Thus they were expulsed and ever since for the space of 364 years they have been excluded without the publike permission of so much as one Synagogue in England But this our Protector having a large I say not conscience but heart and being of tender bowels his charity extended so far as to plead for the re-entertainment of these guests to which purpose he propounded it to several eminent Ministers for their approbation alleadging that since there is a promise of their Conversion means must be used to that end which is the preaching of the Gospel and that cannot be had except they be permitted to reside where the Gospel is preached But by his leave when Gods good time is come there shall not be means wanting to accomplish that work which being of an extraordinary nature is not like to be done by ordinary means Besides such was then and yet is the temper of the people of England so full of diversities in opinions and reduced to such an indifferencie in matters of Religion that it is more then probable the number of their Proselytes would have exceeded that of our Converts But this is not all for it seems our Protectors charity that we mentioned before according to the Proverb began at home he had a promise of 200000 l. from the Jews in case he procured their Toleration here as saith Mr. Prynne in his Narrative p. 56. which sweet morsel he had swallowed by thus gratifying them had not the design been opposed by Arguments as sharp as weapons of STEEL The War with Spain beginning now to wax warm not onely under the Torrid Zone but likewise Northwards of the Tropick the Protector thought it best to annoy this Enemy in as many places as possible which could not well be brought about without a Peace with France which being effected roome might be made for English Feet to tread Flemish ground The French at this time earnestly desired the same for their chief minister of State Cardinal Mazarine saw every Champaign how prejudicious it was to his Masters Affairs in Flanders especially in besieging a Sea-Port Town to be without correspondencie with England This gave the Protector not onely opportunity of making up the long continued feud that had been betwixt the two Nations but to do it on very advantagious terms wherein the French King was content to deny himself in sending out of his Dominions his near relations the Stuarts which kindness the Protector requited with sending him 6000 Foot-Souldiers Thus the alliance was contracted The impediments that hindered Peace with France being past over to the Protectors great content he set himself wholy to a thorow prosecution of his Wars with Spain For this purpose the two Generals Blake and Montague had with a strong Navie long beleaguered the Port of Cadiz by Sea and with many provocations endeavoured to dare out an Enemy but the grave-pac'd Spaniard durst not step one stride to drive the English from his coasts but rather waited the lucky hour when scarcity of provisions or distress by weather would do the work to his hand and save the Limbs and Lives of many good Catholicks which might miscarry in forcing the English farther off But this piece of Policy little prevailed for when the Fleet wanted water and other necessaries the Generals found out a way to supply it by sayling to the Bay of Wyers in Portugal whence they were recruted in the mean time leaving behind Captain Stayner with a Squadron of seven Ships to have an eye on Cadiz Now it hapned that in the absence of the Generals a stiff gale of wind forc't Stainer to ply it off to Sea which brought him upon the discovery of an excellent object it was the King of Spaines Plate-Fleet richly laden with Gold Silver Pearl and other good commodities newly brought from the Indies The Spaniards at the first sight of the English Frigats took them for Fisher-boats which indeed they were in a sense for Captain Stainers work was to fish for gold and now seeing so fair a shole swimming he thought he would be sure to catch some considerable quantity or lose his life in the attempt wherefore with these three the Speaker Bridgwater and Plymouth Frigats the remaining part of the Squadron being driven to Leeward he gallantly fell upon the Spanish great Galleons which were seven in number and plyed them so sore with great shot that in few hours the whole Fleet was quite spoyled one whereof was sunk another burnt two forc'd on ground one run away and two remained in the Conquerours hands which were safely conveyed to England and very joyfully received by the Protector who set apart a particular day to give God thanks for this good success The Protector being much necessitated for money and withal impatient to tarry longer for a Confirmation of his Dignity by the People which although he could not obtain of the preceding Parliament he hoped he might gain of another this perswaded him to attempt once more a new Representative Which being resolved upon he issued out Writs for Election throughout the three Nations But remembring the Speeches and carriage of some in the late Parliament private intimation was given to certain persons in several Counties to obstruct if possible their Election again in this ensuing Session yet for all this the generality of people being swayed by respect made choyce of them they thought sit and such as were most able to carry on the weighty affairs of the Common-wealth Septemb. 17. 1656 being appointed for the general meeting at Westminster the Members accordingly made their appearance at the Parliament House where they found quite contrary to the ancient Priviledge of Parliament that no Members could enter into the House except they were first tyed up in a promise Not to act any thing prejudicial to the present Government Many of the Members would not bite
importance and might much conduce to the taking in of Dunkirk it self as afterwards it proved The French and English having beleaguered this strong place did not lie long before they reduced it to a surrender upon Composition so that it was delivered up wholly into the possession of the English But presently after the French being withdrawn into winter-Quarters came a strong body of Spaniards and made a fierce Camisado upon the Fort hoping to give the English little joy in their new Conquest but it fell out quite otherwise for the assailants were stoutly repulsed and inforc't to flee having lost in the attempt several brave Commanders The Protectors forraign affairs standing in a posture answerable to his desires his domestick designes at the same time did likewise very well correspond thereunto for the Parliament having sate near nine Months had in this time past many Acts which crowned the Protectors hopes so fully that more could not have been desired by him nor well granted by them For first out of a deep sence of his loss should such a design as bold Syndercomb's take effect they made provisions for the security of his Highness Person wherein it was Enacted High Treason for any to attempt compass or imagine the Protectors death This Act having pared the claws of cholerick humours at home in three whoops more the Title of Charls Stuart c. was utterly defunct And besides this to answer the end for which they were called round sums of money were granted to carry on the Spanish War notwithstanding his Highness late Conquests in the Indies that so the Protector might with more facility bang the legs of that long-limb'd Enemy The Acts made for this purpose were these that follow  Per Mens An Act for an Assesment upon England for three Months at the rate of 60000 l. On Scotland for three Months at 05000 l. On Ireland for three Months at 05000 l. On England Scotland and Ireland for three years   England to pay 35000 l. Scotland 06000 l. Ireland 09000 l. An Act for continuing of Tunnage and Poundage   An Act for preventing the multiplicity of buildings in and about the Suburbs of London and within ten miles thereof a whole years Revenue to be presently payd for dwelling or out-Houses that had been reared upon new Foundations since the year 1620.   An Act for Excise of merchandize imported Hobby-Horses Childrens Rattles and old shirts not exempted   These with many more being at once presented to the Protector for his consent were by him passed at which time he made this short Speech to the Parliaments Speaker I perceive that among these many Acts of Parliament there hath been a very great care had by the Parliament to provide for the just and necessary support of the Commonwealth by these Bills for levying of money now brought to me which I have given my consent unto and understanding it hath been the practice of those who have been chief Governours to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons their care and regard of the Publike I do very heartily and thankefully acknowledge their kindness herein The Protectors thanks for this could do no less then animate the Parliament to compleat the great work they were about for settlement of the Nation This business had been dayly debated and was almost brought to perfection when on a sudden a Petition was ushered into the House by a worthy Citizen of London to have his Highness one Tittle higher in his Title Hereupon the great Machine of Englands Government called the Petition and Advice was hastened away to the Protectors view with a desire that his Highness would be pleased to magnifie himself with the Title of KING Alas what thing more averse to his nature could be presented to him then this It was not to sit in high places that made him undertake the Government but rather to be a Servant to his Countrey Monarchie he knew was as odious to the Army as according to the proverb comparisons among the people and therefore he could not look upon this otherways then as a Temptation to try the strength of his resolution against that which before had like to have wrackt the peoples Liberties which said he undoubtedly had fallen out had not he stept into the sea of bloud and with invincible Arms preserved the Ship of State from those Piratical inchroachers that were ready to board her Yet to do nothing unadvisedly nor without mature deliberation his Highness took time to return the Parliament this positive answer to their liquorish desire which he with much meekness gave them in the Painted Chamber in these words That he could not undertake the Government with the Title of King Upon this the Parliament voted that Protector should be the stile of the chief Magistrate All things being now brought to maturity in the Petition and Advice and nothing wanting to make it a Law but onely the Protectors condescention a Committee was sent to desire a Conference with his Highness which he granted and appointed the place of meeting to be in the Painted Chamber May 25. 1657. his Highness attended by his chief Officers came accordingly and there the Speaker Sir Thomas Widdrington presented him with the Parliaments Petition and Advice the substance whereof was as followeth 1. That his Highness under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to exercise the office of chief Magistrate over England c. and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice also that in his life-time he would appoint the Person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call Parliaments consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those Persons who are legally chosen by a free election of the people to serve in Parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. In the fourth was shewn the qualifications of Parliament-Members 5. In the fifth the Power of the other House 6. That the Lawes and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept and no Laws altered suspended abrogated repealed or new Law made but by Act of Parliament 7. For a constant yearly revenue ten hundred thousand pounds to be settled for maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nations to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Council shall not be above one and twenty whereof the Quorum to be seven and not under 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the great Seal c. to be approved of by Parliament 10. That his Highness would encourage a Godly Minstery in these Nations and that such as do revile or disturb them in the Worship of God may be punished according to Law and where the Lawes are defective new
by six Horses in black Velvet The Streets from Somerset-House to Westminster-Abby were guarded by Souldiers in new Red Coats and black Buttons with their Ensigns wrapt in Cypres which made a Lane to keep off Spectators from crouding the Actors For the Procession In the first place went a Marshal attended by his deputy and thirteen more on horseback to clear the way after him followed the poor men of Westminster by two and two in Mourning Gowns and Hoods next to them the servants of those Persons of quality that attended the Funeral These were followed by the Protectors late domestick servants with his Barge-men and Water-men Then came the servants of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London Following them were Gentlemen Attendants on Forraign Ambassadors and publike Ministers After marched the poor Knights of Windsor in Gowns and Hoods then the Clerks Secretaries and Officers of the Army Admiralty Treasury Navie and Exchequer next the Commissioners of the Excise of the Army and Committee of the Navie Then the Commissioners for approbation of Preachers behinde these followed all the Officers Messengers and Clerks belonging to the Privie-Council and both Houses of Parliament Next in order followed The Protectors Physitians The Head-Officers of the Army The Officers and Aldermen of London The Masters of Chancery and his Highness Council at Law The Judges of Admiralty Judges in Wales and Master of Requests The Barons of the Exchequer Judges of both Benches and Lord Mayor of London The Persons Allied in Blood to the Protector and the Members of the other House The publike Ministers of Forraign Princes The Holland Ambassador alone having his Train held up by four Gentlemen Then the Portugal Ambassador and the French Ambassador in like manner The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal The Commissioners of the Treasury The Lords of his Highness Privie-Council All the Grandees were in close Mourning the rest but in ordinary The whole Assembly passing along in divisions were distinguished by Drums Trumpets Banners and Horses whereof there were eleven in all four being coverd with black Cloath and seven in Velvet These passing in comely order at length came the Chariot with the Effigies on each side of which were six Banner Rols twelve in all born by several Persons And likewise several Pieces of the Protectors Armor carried by eight Officers of the Army attended by the Heralds Next went Garter Principal King of Armes attended by a Gentleman on each hand bare-headed Now came the chief Mourner And to conclude all came the Horse of Honour in very rich Trappings imbroydered on Crimson-Velvet and adorned with white red and yellow Plumes of Feathers being led by the Master of the Horse The Rear of this brave Shew was brought up by the Protectors Guard of Halberdiers the Warders of the Tower and a Troop of Horse The Essigies in this manner being brought to the West-Gate of the Abby-Church of Westminster it was taken from the Chariot by ten Gentlemen who carried it to the East-end of the Church and there placed the Picture in a most Magnificent Structure built in the same Form as one before had been on the like occasion for King James but much more Stately Thus much for the History of O. Cromwel Now follows His Character WE finde him in the beginning of England's Distractions a most active Instrument to carry on the Cause for King and Parliament this pretence holding water and proving prosperous he then became the main stickler for Liberty of Conscience without any limitation This toleration became his master-piece in Politicks for it procured him a party that stuck close in all Cases of necessity These Libertines in general being divided into several particular Fractions as Independents Anabaptists Socinians Millenaries Antisabbatarians Ranters Quakers Seekers and God knows how many more did all of them serve as steps to mount our Protector to the highest pitch of Preferment After he had made use of all that could augment his Interest then Humility condescended to look thorow his fingers at a Crown but still waving the ayrie Title of King he rather chose to accept the substantial Power of Protector The Primum mobile of his desires herein being somewhat satisfied then Parliaments were rallied and by him as familiarly routed wherein he shewed himself to be in Policie as far above the Peoples Capacities as Saul in Stature was above the Israelites In his governing of England Scotland and Ireland it is obvious to all he studied Men more then Books so that his turn was served in all Offices parts advanced few but he that would never question Commands but act freely his Interests was sufficiently qualified for preferment Yet this he would do when Embassadours were to be made or Forces sent into Forraign parts then sutable spirits fitting the Imployments were always cal'd out to serve as the Lord Lockhart for France and Reynolds for Flanders the first going in quality of Embassadour the other as General In the choyce of his Privie Council much cunning might be seen yet he never relyed so much on their Counsels as to have it said England was governed by a Council and Protector for he made the world know it was by Protector and Council In his rise he never cut down one step before another was built to support him this was seen in his levelling the Long Parliament and present spring of the next Little One then they being dissolved in comes an Instrument for his own Government In all these changes he took time by the foretop not suffering such an Interregnum as might encourage the Peoples minds to work him any mischief His Speeches were for the most part ambiguous especially in publike meetings wherein he rather left others to pick out the meaning then did it himself But when Offenders came under his own examination then would he speak plain English and declare his power unto them in a ranting stile Secrecie in carrying on Designs is the principal part of a Prince at this he was excellent both in Military and Civil Affairs insomuch that few actions ever miscarried under his hands except that grand one of Sancta Domingo They that go about to diminish his Valour do little less then rob him of his right for in the Camp his Armor deprest fear and made him stand in defiance of all Guns under the Demie-Cannon but at Court his courage was somewhat quailed with a new light sprung up called Killing no Murther The Pride and Ambition which some say he was guilty of may be easily excused as an original sin inherent in nature and we all know That which is born in the bone will never out of the flesh To conclude he carryed his Design clear and hit the mark he aim'd at notwithstanding the Parliament Triplo-Heath and Dunbars Ingagements which shews that Policy and Piety may both lie in a bed and yet not touch one another But now we mention Pietie His Religion must not pass my Pen in this he was zealous not